The New Braunfels Community Survey begins this week with 4,500 residents set to receive an invitation by mail to complete the survey. New Braunfels has completed this survey six previous times – in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
This scientific survey is part of the National Community Survey, which is developed and provided by the National Research Center at Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The survey sample was selected at random from households within the City limits to ensure an equal likelihood that anyone can receive the survey, remove any bias in the sample, and guarantee an accurate representation of the community’s population. The sample also takes into account the six City Council districts to ensure distributed representation from each of those areas.
In addition to the mailed invitation, the survey will also be open online to all residents beginning April 12th. This allows for scientifically valid results from the mailed random sample while also giving all city residents the opportunity to participate and share their feedback. The survey includes questions on quality of life, livability in the community, economic health, safety, transportation, and City services such as police, fire, roads, parks, libraries, and other government functions.
“Drawing on survey results from previous years helps the City create a trend line to track changing resident opinions over time,” said Director of Communications and Community Engagement Jenna Vinson. “Utilizing the National Research Center also allows for our community’s results to be benchmarked against other communities across the nation. These components help put the results into context and help City leaders better understand the meaning behind the feedback we receive.”
All survey responses, whether by mail or online, are due April 26th. A representative from the National Research Center will provide a presentation on the results to City Council this summer.